A high-performance Na0.8Li0.2Mn0.75Zn0.05O2 cathode material synthesized via the sol–gel method for sodium-ion battery applications

Abstract

This work presents research findings on a novel layered-structure Na_0.8Li_0.2Mn_0.75Zn_0.05O₂ material, which was successfully synthesized using the sol–gel method combined with high-temperature calcination. The synthesized materials were analyzed to assess their structural and morphological characteristics and electrochemical properties. The Na_0.8Li_0.2Mn_0.75Zn_0.05O₂ material has a P2-type layered structure and a superior specific capacity of 174 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 15 mA g⁻¹ in the potential range of 1.5 to 4 V. Its capacity and coulombic efficiency after 100 testing cycles at a rate of 15 mA g⁻¹ remained at 77% and 95%, respectively. The Na_0.8Li_0.2Mn_0.75Zn_0.05O₂ material also exhibited excellent rate capability, maintaining a discharge capacity of over 90 mAh g⁻¹ at a rate of 100 mA g⁻¹. These findings indicate that the Na_0.8Li_0.2Mn_0.75Zn_0.05O₂ material is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries.